CN102781290B - Beverage preparation capsules with identification code - Google Patents

Abstract

Capsule for the preparation of a beverage from a beverage ingredient contained therein, comprising: a body (2), which body (2) comprises at least one compartment for containing the beverage ingredient and a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly and transversely to a central axis (I) of the body; membrane (6) for closing in the convex-like mannerAn opening sealed on the edge of the rim, an optical code (7), said optical code (7) containing binary information configured to be read by a camera of a beverage production device (20), wherein said optical code (7) is a two-dimensional barcode having rectilinear boundaries (7 a-7 d) and said two-dimensional barcode is engraved in a circular area (8) concentric with respect to the center (O) of said membrane, said circular area (8) having a radius (R) smaller than said membrane₀) Radius (R).

Description

Beverage preparation capsules with identification code

technical field

The present invention relates to a capsule and a system for beverage preparation, more particularly a capsule with a code for identifying the capsule in a beverage production device and for providing information and/or setting parameters in a beverage preparation device. The invention also relates to a method of providing information to a user from a capsule for beverage preparation in a beverage dispensing device.

Background technique

Previously proposed capsule systems included an identification code for setting parameters in the beverage production machine. For example, capsules or cartridges containing coffee, milk, chocolate, tea or combinations of these ingredients are used in specially designed machines in which water is supplied under pressure to the in capsules. This machine can operate under different pressures.

WO 02/28241 describes a cartridge for hot or cold beverage preparation in which the package includes a machine interpretable feature that is interpretable to direct the beverage production apparatus to use a specific brewing operation suitable for a specific brewing package.

WO02/074144 describes a beverage brewing system comprising a beverage brewing device identification system allowing the beverage brewing system to recognize the presence, type and/or capacity of a beverage brewing device inserted into the system.

In WO02/078498, a machine-readable identifier for an espresso machine is provided on a partial package containing ground coffee in a rotationally symmetrical manner, thereby allowing easy and reliable to read. The partial packaging is preferably part of a capsule having a substantially circular bottom in which the identifier is applied coaxially. The problem is that the reading of the code requires reading the capsule over a large movement path which causes the capsule to move for the reading to be performed. In addition, the surface on which the code is printed is not typically flat but is raised due to the internal gas pressure in the capsule. As a result, the code can be distorted and its reading negatively affected. Finally, the code contains too limited an amount of information to make this solution very attractive.

In order to solve the problem of codes printed on flexible surfaces, such as in WO02/078498, attempts have been made to level the surface by means of mechanical elements of equipment such as in EP1593329. However, this approach can lead to rupture of the capsule and lead to undesired mechanical friction in the device or even accidental tearing of the package.

EP 1440640 describes a method of preparing at least a range of beverages comprising different steps including the insertion of at least one beverage cartridge, operating the user interface to initiate an operating cycle, establishing a specific brewing cycle based on a conventional barcode, by Beverage cartridges deliver an aqueous medium to produce a beverage, where temperature, pre-wet, volumetric flow rate and air purge of the aqueous medium are based on code settings, and an injector device is provided in a certain cartridge to provide beverage foam.

Solutions also exist in optical codes replaced by radio frequency codes such as in EP1715778. However, this technology is still expensive for use in disposable containers such as beverage capsules.

WO 2009007292 describes a method of reading a device in a beverage preparation device for recording a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional image on a beverage or serving tray which is inserted into an open brewing chamber of the device and in which In a closing operation of the brewing chamber, the intermediate position is changed from the loading position to the closed position before the start of the preparation or serving operation. It is improved from this fact that the reading device is activated before the brewing chamber is closed, with the result that at least one image of the pattern is recorded before reaching the closed position. The problem here comes from the complexity of image processing, in particular, the required comparison of multiple images.

In general, prior art systems suffer from the problem of reliable reading of the capsule's identification code. Attempts have been made to improve recognition but most solutions are difficult to implement and/or create other problems.

Typically, the capsule must be oriented or inserted into the beverage device in a precise manner to ensure correct reading of the optical barcode in the machine. For example, in EP1440640, the capsule must be placed in a single precise orientation in the capsule holder to allow reading by the capsule identification device (see Figure 40). Thus, there are clear limitations to the automation of possible beverage production devices, especially if a number of capsules need to be read sequentially in the device. In addition, prior art capsule systems suffer from the limited storage size of the code which greatly reduces the range of communication between the capsule and the device or user.

Contents of the invention

The present invention alleviates the problems of prior art systems by providing a simple, reliable and economical solution for identifying capsules, conveying information and setting parameters that can also be performed in any beverage production equipment included in high throughput automation equipment, In such automated devices, for example when preparing multi-component beverages from a plurality of capsules, it is necessary to reliably identify the capsule inserted therein. The invention also provides a solution for improving communication with the user during and/or outside the beverage preparation cycle.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a capsule for beverage preparation from a beverage ingredient contained therein, comprising:

- a body comprising at least one compartment for containing said beverage ingredients and a flange-like rim extending outwardly and transversely to the central axis (I) of said body;

- a membrane for closing the opening sealed on the flange-like edge,

- an optical code comprising binary information configured to be read by a camera of the beverage production device,

Wherein the optical code is a two-dimensional barcode with rectilinear borders and the optical code is inscribed in a circular area concentric with respect to the center (O) of the film, the circular area having a radius smaller than the radius of the film.

The solution of the invention offers several advantages.

Firstly, the capsule no longer needs to be specifically inserted into a capsule holder or charger in a predetermined orientation to ensure correct detection. The degrees of freedom are given as the orientation of the capsule about its central axis. This considerably facilitates the insertion of the capsule in the device.

Second, especially due to its small size, the code can be identified without having to be packed flat and without the need for a mobile device for reading the code relative to the capsule (or vice versa). Thus, the code can be read while the capsule is in a rest position making the device simpler and more reliable. In addition, the visual properties of the capsule (such as logos, colors, labels, etc.) are hardly affected compared to prior art solutions.

Third, the two-dimensional code contains more information than typical optical codes thereby providing a wider choice of parameterization and improved communication.

Preferably, the two-dimensional barcode is engraved in a circular area with a radius of less than 15 mm, preferably less than 13 mm. As a result, the reading of the capsule is performed while the capsule is stationary and the camera is placed relatively close to the capsule so as not to affect both the simplicity and the compactness of the device.

Additionally, the two-dimensional code is placed between at least one inner opaque layer and an outer transparent layer of the film. As a result, the code is protected from external physical and/or chemical attack and also provides sufficient contrast to be read despite its small size.

The two-dimensional barcode includes information in binary form, including: product information, date of authentication, brewing parameter settings, URL, and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two-dimensional barcode is printed on the capsule using invisible ink. This has the advantage of keeping the surface of the capsule free to be decorated with visible ink, which is advantageous especially from an aesthetic point of view. Invisible inks are generally known as substances for writing which are invisible to the human eye both at the time of application and in the near future and which later become visible by some device or in some Visible by an identification device such as a camera or a barcode reader under conditions such as ultraviolet light.

The invention also relates to a system for preparing a beverage from a capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

A beverage production device comprising a capsule handling device comprising a capsule holder therein for receiving a capsule, and identification and control means,

wherein the identification and control means comprises a digital camera positioned relative to the processing means and configured to capture an image of a two-dimensional code placed on the capsule and to transmit said image or binary information related thereto to the Control unit for identifying and controlling the device.

Said means for identifying and controlling a device may comprise a display configured to display product information in decoded form from said image or binary information.

In a preferred mode, the system includes capsules corresponding to different beverage series (such as espresso, lungo, latte macchiato, cappuccino, etc.) scope. For at least two capsules of the range, the code of each capsule has a different matricial size suitable for encoding information about its range of beverages. The camera of the device is thus also configured to read barcodes of at least two different permitted sizes to identify the beverage category to which the identified capsule belongs.

In a particular mode, the code for at least two capsules may comprise a number of bits varying according to the number of letters of the beverage's name.

The capsule handling means of the apparatus preferably comprises a slide or a tubular feeder for guiding a capsule holder beneath which the capsules are movably placed. When a capsule is inserted into the device, the capsule descends due to gravity in the capsule holder and is positioned for subsequent proper identification while its encoded membrane remains uncovered. The camera is preferably placed in the transport path between the capsule handling device and the liquid injection device. In addition, the capsule delivery device provides a capsule holder for moving the capsule in front of the digital camera. In particular, the capsule delivery device may comprise a conveyor belt driven by a motor.

The invention further relates to a method in a beverage production device for providing information to a user from a capsule for beverage preparation, comprising providing the capsule with a two-dimensional barcode on it, capturing at least one image of the barcode via a digital camera and displaying it on a display The decoded information from the image is displayed on .

In particular, the digital camera may be part of the beverage production device and/or a portable telecommunication terminal.

This displayed information includes direct messages and/or web addresses. As direct information it essentially means information obtainable directly from the data included in the barcode, such as product information, brewing parameters or user instructions.

Description of drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description of the drawings that follow.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a capsule of the present invention,

Figure 2 shows a top view of the capsule of Figure 1 .

FIG. 2 a shows an enlarged view of FIG. 2 .

Fig. 2b shows an enlarged view of Fig. 2 according to a first variant.

Fig. 2c shows an enlarged view of Fig. 2 according to a second variant.

Fig. 2d shows an enlarged view of Fig. 2 according to a third variant.

Figure 3 illustrates a capsule in reading mode in the device of the invention.

Figure 4 shows the top of the capsule when reading in the reading mode in the device of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates the system of the invention when the capsule is in insertion mode in the device.

Figure 6 illustrates the system of Figure 5 when the capsule is in read mode.

Figure 7 illustrates the system of Figure 5 when the capsule is in brewing mode.

Fig. 8 illustrates a method of communication using the capsule system of the present invention with a mobile telecommunication terminal.

Figure 9 illustrates the process of using the barcode on the capsule of the mobile telecommunication terminal.

Figure 10 illustrates the capture of information from a portable telecommunication terminal from an image displayed on a beverage production device.

Detailed ways

The present invention relates to capsules containing beverage ingredients for beverage preparation by injection of a liquid in the capsule and interaction of the liquid with these ingredients. The beverage ingredients include: roast and ground coffee, instant coffee, tea leaves, instant tea, cocoa powder, creamer with or without milk, chicories, fruit or vegetable extracts, culinary extracts, and combinations thereof . Additives can also be added in appropriate amounts, such as sweeteners, flavoring agents, thickeners, edible carriers, colors, foaming agents, stabilizers, buffers, emulsifiers, processing aids and combinations thereof. The term "capsule" generally refers to any single-use beverage package, which may be rigid, semi-rigid, or even sometimes Liquid (generally water) injected into cartridges, pods or pads, sachets etc. used in beverage production machines for interaction with the ingredients contained in the package and for transfer from the package of a liquid or partially liquid product such as a beverage . Interactions between liquids and ingredients can occur through extraction, dissolution, dilution, soaking, dispersion, mixing, emulsification, and combinations thereof.

The capsule 1 typically comprises a body 2 comprising at least one internal compartment for containing beverage ingredients. The body may be in the form of a rotation of a central axis I, such as a substantially trunconical cup with larger sides and narrower sides terminating at the transfer tube 3 . On its larger side, the body comprises a flange-like edge 4 extending outwardly and transversely to the central axis I. The body is closed by a membrane 5 sealed at the top on a flange-like rim 4 so that the body delimits an internal compartment. Internally, the capsule may comprise means for opening and closing walls at the transfer tube, as described in patent EP1472156B1.

Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a top view of the capsule of Figure 1 showing the membrane 5 and its annular sealing portion 6 on the flange-like edge. The membrane does not have to be flat. Sometimes, the gas-tight membrane expands slightly outward due to the internal pressure of the gas (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.). The membrane includes an axis "O" which represents a point on a central axis "I" which intersects the surface of the membrane.

As shown more clearly with respect to Figure 2a, the film 5 comprises a DataMatrix optical code 7 containing binary information configured to be read by a camera of the beverage production device to be explained. The optical code is a two-dimensional barcode with rectilinear borders 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. By itself, the illustrated barcode is a matrix code consisting of small square cells representing a bit ("0" if the cell is light and "1" if the cell is dark or vice versa). The left border 7a and the bottom border 7b form an "L" shape known as a detector pattern and used to locate or orient the code. The top border 7c and the right border 7d represent a timing pattern which provides a technique for determining the number of bits of the allowed size of the code. The encoding of this particular code is described more specifically in the ISO standard ISO/IEC 16022.

According to the invention, the optical code 7 is inscribed in a circular area 8 (indicated by a dotted circle) whose center is concentric with the center "O" of the film and which has a radius "R" smaller, preferably at least 1.5 times, more preferably at least two times smaller than the radius "R ₀ " of the membrane. By definition, the code is inscribed in the circular area 8 when none of its corners exceeds the limits of the circular area. This radius “R ₀ ” indicates the radius of the entire membrane including the sealing portion 6 .

In the example of Figure 2a, the code is formed by four borders 7a to 7d of equal length, making it a square with four corners intersecting the limits of a circular area, such as the dotted circle.

In the example of Figure 2b, the code is formed by a rectangular polygon with four corners intersecting the limits of the circular area. Therefore, the longer side of the rectangular code intersects the bounds of a circular area such as the dotted circle.

In the example of Figure 2c, the code is formed by a square code that is off-centered with respect to the center "O" but still inscribed within a circular area, the center of which is concentric with the center "O" of the membrane. In particular, a single corner of the square code intersects the boundary of the circular area, such as the dashed circle.

In the example of Figure 2d, the code is formed by a rectangular code that is off-centred with respect to the center "O" but still inscribed within a circular area, the center of which is concentric with the center "O" of the membrane. In particular, a single corner of the rectangular code intersects the boundary of the circular area (such as the dashed circle).

Typically, the eccentricity of the code occurs due to the membrane being cut and sealed to the body at an increasing cadence after receiving the code, so that the centering of the membrane cannot be guaranteed during manufacture. Typically, an eccentricity of the center of the code relative to the center O of a maximum of about 5 mm is possible.

In all these examples, the radius "R" of the circular area 8 is much smaller than the radius "R ₀ " of the membrane, therefore, this circular area definition needs to take into account the limited location area of the code for providing the advantages of the present invention, in particular Therefore, reliable detection in all angular positions of the capsule will be explained later. The limit of this area 8 is only virtual (indicated by dashed lines) and it need not be visible on the capsule. Preferably, the barcode, as previously defined, is inscribed in a circular area 8 with a radius "R" of less than 15 mm, preferably less than 13 mm, most preferably comprised between 3 and 11 mm. In a more preferred design, the barcode has a surface area of less than 120 mm ² , most preferably comprised between 20 and 90 mm ² . This lower limit is essentially guided by the limitations of the read detection technology, which can also lead to possible visible defects of the code during printing on or in the film.

The invention is not necessarily limited to the data matrix codes shown but may be applicable as any two-dimensional code consisting of a matrix code comprising black and white or color modules arranged in a square or rectangular pattern and comprising any of the following code standards Barcodes: Data Matrix Code, Sema Code, Quick Response (“QR”) Code, Aztec Code, Maxi Code or EZ Code. All these codes use the same two-dimensional principle, albeit using different encoding algorithms and different symbologies including symbolic patterns such as squares, dots, circles, etc., hidden images and their combinations.

The barcode is designed with a permissible size sufficient to store beverage-related information such as "product information", parameters related to beverage preparation in the beverage production plant, update bits, error bits and optical reference bits. Preferably, the allowable size (for example the number of rows multiplied by the number of columns representing the number of bits) is comprised between 10 by 10 and 22 by 22, preferably between 12 by 12 and 18 by 18.

This barcode may be a pattern visible to the naked eye inserted into the layer of the membrane 4 for protection from scratches, hot liquids and similar purposes. In particular, the film preferably comprises at least one inner opaque layer and at least one transparent or translucent layer, wherein the code is inserted between these two layers. For example, the barcode may be printed directly on the surface of the inner or outer layer or it may be printed on a label inserted between the two layers. Preferably, the opaque layer is manufactured in a polymer selected between PP, PE, PET and combinations thereof. The outer layer is preferably chosen in PET. For example, the film includes two opaque layers of PP and PET of 70 and 12 microns respectively and an outer transparent layer of PET of about 10-20 microns.

In a possible alternative, the barcode could be a pattern that is invisible to the naked eye, eg if printed with special inks, and readable in a specific light frequency range (eg UV). In particular, a specific invisible pattern can be used to distinguish genuine capsules from counterfeit ones.

As for product information, information related to the name of the beverage can be stored in a code enabling the identification of the capsule. The full name of the beverage is thus available as a binary part of the code utilizing a maximum of 125 bits. Other product information such as the expiry date of the capsules can be stored in the code along with other bits of information using the code.

Thus the name of the beverage, such as a letter or alphanumeric sequence ("espresso", "lungo", "cappuccino", "latte macchiato", etc.) can be stored in a code as a sequence of bits. This name may then be displayed on a display 12 connected to or as part of the device, for example, before and/or during preparation.

In a possible mode, the two-dimensional barcode includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address making it possible to connect the user via the display and communication means to a web site, such as the capsule supplier's wed site. The communication means may be a mobile telecommunication device such as a mobile phone, PDA etc. with digital camera functionality or it may be embedded in the beverage production device. To this end, the beverage production device comprises a communication unit configured to access a website via an internet transmitter and an internet browser. Thus, information services such as the latest commercial offers, advertisements or product information can be easily displayed or capsule ordering services (such as on a virtual store hosted on a WEB site) can be provided to the user through the display.

The 2D barcode includes bits that store information about the setup parameters of the device, such as:

- water temperature, such as hot, warm, room temperature, cold temperature,

- Beverage volume, such as 25, 40, 110, 150, 250, 500mL, etc.,

- the nature of the ingredients, such as roast and ground coffee, soluble ingredients, herbal teas, etc.,

- especially for capsule emptying of soluble ingredients,

- Capsule type like single, 2 in 1, double (doppio) etc.,

- soaking time, especially for soaking ingredients,

- the serial number of each capsule involved in the database,

- Update data and their combinations.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the beverage production device includes a capsule identification and control device 9 whose function is to identify, set parameters of the beverage production device and selectively provide information and value-added services to users ( such as directed access to the Internet). These devices comprise a control unit 10 (such as a central controller or controllers), a digital camera 11, optionally a display 12 which may be linked together with or integrated in one or more units, and a communication unit 19 . The control unit 10 is considered in the conventional sense to comprise different modules comprising a processor, memory, programs and algorithms, input and output interfaces capable of operating the identification and control means and the brewing system of the device (such as heaters, pumps, etc.) and one or more units of units. A separate control module can be designed to isolate communication control from brewing system control. The programs and algorithms may include the camera's decoding application.

The control unit may further comprise a user interface for receiving input as various selections for brewing parameters, beverages, internet communication and the like.

The display may for example be an LCD or plasma screen, a touch screen or in combination with the control unit 10 and/or the communication unit 19, for example in the form of a computer, laptop, mobile telecommunication terminal such as a mobile phone, I-pod, PDA, etc. and other equivalent communications equipment. This communication unit 19 may for example comprise an intranet connection, a wifi and/or a bluetooth connection enabling communication with external servers and/or terminals.

The camera 11 may be any input device that captures an optical image and digitizes it into an electronic image represented as binary data. The camera is designed as a digital camera that typically includes an image sensor 17 (such as a CCD), an optical lens and an aperture 14 for shaping, focusing and sharpening the image capture area of the camera, and a processor inside the control unit. The camera can also be designed as a flutter shutter camera to be able to capture images of the barcode while the capsule is moving in the device. The camera can be designed as a scanner with the ability to move relative to the device when reading the capsule's barcode. The camera may also be portable and able to be plugged into a designated location of the device.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the camera is arranged relative to the capsule so that the image capture area of the device, shown by the rectangular area 15 , surrounds, as previously defined, the annular area 8 in which the barcode is engraved, above the membrane of the capsule. The pattern capture area may be from about 10 to 300% wider than the surface area of the annular area 8 and it may be any suitable polygonal area such as rectangular, square or circular depending on the type of camera. Preferably, the camera is configured to provide an image capture area that is wide enough to capture barcodes in different positions (central or off-centre with respect to the "O"), different permissible sizes and possibly different shapes (square or rectangular) . The sharpness of this image capture area depends on different parameters such as lens and aperture characteristics, distance between camera and code, CCD and shutter characteristics, etc. In a particular application, for product information for different capsules corresponding to different capsule categories (such as espresso, long coffee, cappuccino, etc.), two different sized barcodes are necessary. Larger size codes may be necessary when the name of the beverage is too long or when additional instructions for complex beverage recipes are required.

The beverage production system represented in FIG. 5 comprises a capsule 1 , a beverage production device 20 comprising capsule identification and control means 9 . In a preferred mode, the device 20 comprises capsule handling means 21 for enabling the insertion of the capsule in the device and its transfer to the liquid injection unit 22 of the device. To this end, the capsule handling device comprises gravity insertion means 23 , such as a slide or a feeder 23 , for guiding the capsules in the device into the capsule holder 24 by gravity. It should be noted that the gravity insertion device may receive the capsule substantially vertically or obliquely as shown, using a "slide" while the capsule has its top membrane. Alternatively, the capsule may be substantially horizontal when dropped into the device using a tubular feeder such as that described in the capsule selection mechanism described in EP1593326. The capsule then falls into the capsule holder 24 and can be recovered in a substantially horizontal position of its membrane as shown in FIG. 6 . This capsule holder is associated with a transfer device 25 that moves the capsule from the insertion zone to the identification zone, where it is placed under the camera 11 , with the capsule having a barcode facing the camera at a predetermined distance. The transport means may comprise any suitable carrier that linearly and/or rotationally drives the capsule holder. For example, the conveyor comprises a motor 26 and linearly drives a conveyor belt 27 supporting the capsule holders. When located under the camera 11, the transport means can stop for capturing at least one image of the barcode 7 located on the membrane of the capsule. Optionally, image capture can be generated with a digital flutter shutter camera while the capsule holder is moving from the insertion zone to the liquid injection zone.

After recognition, the control unit activates the transfer device 25 to move the capsule holder to the liquid injection zone. In this zone, the device comprises liquid injection means 28 comprising a closing plate 29 and a liquid injector 30 engaged to the capsule, for example by relative movement of the capsule holder and closing plate 29 . When engaged, the liquid injector communicates with the compartment of the capsule to make it possible to supply the liquid in the capsule. As known per se, the liquid injection device 28 is fluidly connected to a liquid metering device 33 (such as a piston pump) comprising a water tank 32, for metering a suitable volume of liquid in the capsule as a function of the identified capsule, and a liquid heater 34. Typically, the liquid used for beverage preparation is water. The liquid supply means may further comprise gas supply means 35, such as an air pump, for emptying the capsule of residual liquid after the brewing operation. The selected activation of the supply means, in particular the liquid metering means 35, the heater 34 and the gas supply means 35, is controlled by the identification and control means 9 according to the device setup parameters stored in the code.

During various operations, the display can be controlled to prompt the user to operate various functions and/or to provide information. For example, prior to the insertion of the capsule into the beverage production device, the control unit prompts the user via the display 12 to insert the capsule into the device to start the brewing operation (Fig. 5). The capsule presence sensor 36 of the identification and control device can check the presence of a capsule in the processing device, such as in a slide, tube feeder or capsule holder. If a capsule is detected, the delivery device may be activated and/or the reminder to insert the capsule may be removed from the display.

As already mentioned, after capsule identification by the camera 11 ( FIG. 3 ), the product information is decoded and the control unit can manage a message on the display 12 related to this product information, such as the name of the drink and/or the decoded The information may initiate a program to display additional information contained in the memory of the control unit or information retrieved by the communication unit 19 from a remote database. The additional information may be advertising information, nutritional information, information on the region of origin of ingredients of coffee or tea, and the like.

During a brewing operation ( FIG. 7 ), further information may be displayed on the display 12, such as product information, user instructions, brewing information, etc. For example, product information displayed during or after capsule identification may only be initiated or continued at this stage. User instructions may be provided to prompt the user to perform steps associated with the brewing procedure. For example, a reminder may be provided of the end of the wait for beverage ingredients to come out of the capsule. Also, when preparing a beverage from two or more beverage components, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato where more than one capsule is necessary, a prompt to insert a second capsule may be displayed. The brewing information may overlay information about the beverage temperature or the temperature of the injected liquid, pressure, beverage volume, etc. This information can also be displayed at appropriate times during processing.

In a possible application shown in FIG. 8 , the beverage production device is configured to communicate via its communication unit with the user's mobile telecommunication terminal 40 to exchange e.g. Information about the URL address associated with the information of the commercial web site.

As shown in Figure 9, like the URL included in the code, the product information can also be read by the mobile telecommunication terminal 40 prior to insertion of the capsule in the beverage production device. For this purpose, the mobile telecommunication terminal requires a digital camera 42 and a decoding application which can be downloaded onto the terminal or preloaded by the user. The loading application is configured to read the 2D barcode on the capsule and decode useful information from it. It should be noted that only certain bits of the code may be accessible to the user while others may be secret or useless. Therefore, an algorithm or software for selecting the relevant data from the code is provided in the terminal. Such an algorithm or software can be downloaded as part of a decoding application. Various applications already exist to decode matrix codes, such as Kaywa readers and similar applications. The software may also be customized with menus and submenus, graphics, images, movies, avatars, etc., for displaying various services in a more attractive or intuitive manner.

The invention provides the user with the benefit that he/she can obtain product information such as nutritional content, product formulation, etc., such as before inserting a capsule in a beverage production device, or access relevant information if the terminal has an Internet browser and sender. web site. For example, such a direct and quick link to a web site may allow the completion of transactions such as ordering new capsules or accessories, or participating in competitions, promotions, or visiting after-sales customer calls or call centers.

As another example, recipe instructions may be displayed to the user for preparing a multi-ingredient beverage such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, etc. using more than one capsule.

It should also be noted that the mobile telecommunication terminal can be used to download information from a remote server and upload it later into the control unit of the beverage production plant, for example to update it in: brewing parameterization software, user command software, decoding applications and their on the combination.

Another application of a two-dimensional barcode capsule is shown in FIG. 10 , where the beverage production device 20 is configured to display on its display 12 an image 50 of the two-dimensional barcode when captured by its digital camera 11 . The image can be a complete or partial reproduction of the two-dimensional barcode 7 and have the same or different dimensions. When displayed, the barcode image 50 can be re-captured by the portable telecommunication device 40, decoded via a decoding application and processed using various communication software.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the preferred described embodiments but extends to other equivalent embodiments covered by the scope of the following claims.

Claims (16)

1. A capsule for beverage preparation from beverage ingredients contained therein, comprising: - a body (2) comprising at least one compartment for containing said beverage ingredients and a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly and transversely to the central axis (I) of said body; - a circular membrane (6) for closing the opening sealed on said flange-like edge, - an optical code (7) comprising binary information configured to be read by a camera of the beverage production device (20), wherein said optical code (7) is a two-dimensional barcode with rectilinear borders (7a-7d) and the two-dimensional barcode is engraved in a circular area (8) concentric with respect to the center (O) of said film, said The circular region (8) has a radius (R) smaller than the radius (R ₀ ) of the membrane. 2. Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that said two-dimensional barcode (7) is engraved in a circular area (8) with a radius (R) smaller than 15 mm. 3. Capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that said two-dimensional barcode (7) is engraved in a circular area (8) with a radius (R) smaller than 13 mm. 4. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said two-dimensional barcode (7) has a permissible size comprised between 10 by 10 and 22 by 22; said permissible size of it depends on the desired encoding the amount of data. 5. Capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that said two-dimensional barcode (7) has permitted dimensions comprised between 12 by 12 and 20 by 20. 6. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said two-dimensional barcode (7) comprises encoded data comprising at least the name of said beverage. 7. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said two-dimensional barcode (7) comprises a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address. 8. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said two-dimensional barcode (7) is printed on said capsule with invisible ink. 9. A system for preparing a beverage from a capsule according to any preceding claim, comprising: - Beverage production device (20) comprising capsule handling means (21) comprising a capsule holder (24) for receiving said capsule (1) therein, and identification and control means (9) ), wherein said identification and control means (9) comprises a digital camera (11) positioned relative to said processing means (21) and configured for capturing said two An image of a barcode (7) and transmits said image or binary information related thereto to a control unit (10) of said identification and control device (9). 10. A system for preparing a beverage according to claim 9, wherein said means for identifying and controlling means (9) comprises a display (12) configured for displaying product information in decoded form from said image or binary information . 11. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises a range of capsules corresponding to different classes of capsules, wherein for at least two capsules of said range, said code of each capsule has a different permissible size, so The permitted size is adapted to encode information about its beverage category and wherein the camera is configured to read barcodes of at least two different permitted sizes to identify the capsule category to which the identified capsule belongs. 12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that said barcode of said at least two capsules comprises a plurality of digits varying according to the number of letters of the name of said beverage. 13. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said capsule handling device (21) comprises a slide (23) or Tubular feeder. 14. A system according to claim 11, characterized in that said camera (11) is placed in the transport path between said capsule handling means (21) and liquid injection means (22). 15. A system according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises capsule transfer means (25) for moving said capsule holder (24) with said capsule therein in front of said digital camera (11). 16. A system according to claim 15, wherein said conveying means (25) comprises a conveyor belt (27) driven by a motor (26).